Open hands

I heard a new concept about going through life that has been challenging me a lot lately. All of us go through life thinking we have some control and holding aspects of our life in our mental hands. Sometimes we clutch at things like a 2 year old screaming "mine" at everyone who comes near. And sometimes we would gladly give away what we have in our hands for something else!
Here is a change in perspective on life! Holding life with an open hand allows God to come in and be boss of my life with much less stress and heartache.
Instead of clutching at things or control with a closed fist and God prying it out of my hands with pain and anguish (on my part), I can open my hand willingly. Letting go and holding my hand open lets God do amazing things in my heart and life with joy and blessing!
So I am going to start asking myself, "are you holding on with an open hand?"

Lately

Lately:
I'm learning to be obedient, especially when I don't want to
I'm learning to stay focused on my own walk with God and not worry about pointing out others to God as an excuse to not do what He says
I'm learning that asking God for more trust usually involves a new opportunity to get sweaty working it out with Him
I'm learning that humility is becoming
I'm learning that God is good all the time
I'm learning that I know less and less than I thought
I'm learning that life God's way is upside down of what seems normal
I'm learning to love God more each day
And I'm still learning more...

I love this adventure of life that God is walking with me. There is never a dull moment or a chance to be lazy because God calls to my heart all the time! Onward and upward!

May verses of the Month

Verse # 9
Ephesians 6:2-3 NIV
"Honor your father and mother"- which is the first commandment with a promise- "That it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."

Verse # 10
Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Ask, Seek, Knock

We studied a famous new testament passage today in bible study and I just had to share.

Matthew 7:7-8 NIV
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

How often have I read and even studied this passage? But today I saw a new angle and it really gave me some meat to chew on. All these are commands in the present tense so that means they are supposed to be done continuously!

1) ASK
Continually come before God by prayer and ask for His wisdom (to learn, know and act like Him) and discernment in my life. I am also to continue to bring all my petitions, cares and concerns to Him. As I do this, His wisdom transforms my life and brings my prayers in line with Him.

2) Seek
Continually seek God's presence and spending time in Him. This is where I get depth and personal experience with my God as His child! I learn who God is and how He operates in me and in the world.

3) Knock
Continually knock on the door and it will open. When a door opens, we are welcomed in and walk through it to spend time with the person inside. God opens the door to us so we can come in and be a part of His family. I am a member of the family in the eternal sense but especially here and now. God welcomes me inside but He also instructs me in how to be a member of His family.

All these commands build together to grow faith in my heart. By asking, seeking and knocking, I am choosing to operate in the way God directs me before I see the results or know the outcome!

Chew on that!